Kent, Washington, November 22, 2011 – Kent Station is celebrating the holidays with a 30 day holiday countdown: 30 days of deals starting Friday, November 25 through Christmas Eve. Kent Station merchants will offer different deals each day throughout the holiday season. These one day special offers will be posted to Kent Station’s Facebook page at http://facebook.com/kentstation, so be sure to visit often.

Kent Station will expand its shopping hours from Nov. 25 through Dec. 24: Monday through Saturday, 10 am to 9 pm; Sunday, 11 am to 7 pm; and Christmas Eve, 10 am to 5 pm. Many merchants will be open extended hours on Friday, November 25. Check http://www.KentStation.com for details.

Kent Station is full of holiday cheer and activities:  Santa arrives on Saturday, November 26 at 11 am; the annual Winterfest parade through Kent Station is on Saturday, Dec. 3 (approximately 4:30 pm) which is immediately followed by the Kent Lions’ tree lighting at Town Square Plaza (approximately 5:30 pm); and on Saturday, December 10 the WOLF 100.7 will have a remote broadcast featuring Microsoft’s Kinect and its newest games.

Want to give back this season? Kent Station supports local families in need by accepting donations at Santa’s House for food, clothing or cash – all donations go to the Kent Food Bank.  Next to the Santa House in front of AMC is Kent Station’s Giving Tree benefiting children and their siblings who receive services from Children’s Therapy Center. From November 25 through December 19, the tree will be decorated with hosting “mittens.”  Each mitten is dedicated to a child and lists the child’s age, clothing and shoe sizes, along with a wish (a basketball, baby doll) and a need (a warm jacket, blankets, socks).

Kent Station encourages shoppers to take a mitten or two to brighten a child’s Christmas.  Simply bring back the gifts unwrapped, attach the mitten, and drop in the Big Red Box, located inside AMC Theatres’ lobby.

As always, hop by our hip Santa House for holiday wishes and photos. A photo CD is available for $20. Prints can also be purchased in varying sizes, ranging in price from $15 to $40. Santa’s hours are:

Nov. 26 – 27:               11 am – 8 pm
Nov. 30 – Dec. 2:        4 – 8 pm
Dec. 3 – 4:                   11 am – 8 pm
Dec 7 – 9:                    4 – 8 pm
Dec. 10 – 23:               11 am – 8 pm

“The holiday season is our favorite time of the year, with our additional decorations, lights and, of course, Santa. We invite our customers to join us in celebrating the season.” says Sommer Ueda, marketing and property manager for Kent Station. “It’s a special time to share with family and friends. We enjoy making it fun, while also giving back to the community with our giving tree and food drive.”

For additional details about Kent Station’s Holiday Countdown or holiday events, call the Kent Station management office at 253-856-2301 or visit Kent Station’s website at http://www.KentStation.com or Facebook page at http://Facebook.com/KentStation.

About Kent Station

Located on 18 acres in the heart of downtown Kent, Kent Station is an urban shopping village developed by Tarragon a Seattle based company. The 470,000 sq. ft., mixed-use development features locally-owned and national retail stores, professional office space, and dining and entertainment, including a 14-screen AMC Theatres Cineplex and a branch campus of Green River Community College.

In addition to Kent Station merchants and dining and entertainment venues, the popular outdoor shopping center hosts free, family-friendly events throughout the year as well as nonprofit fundraisers to support the community. For more information, visit the Kent Station website at http://www.KentStation.com or call the management office at 253-856-2301.

About Children’s Therapy Center:

Since 1979, Children’s Therapy Center, a Dynamic Partner organization, has provided quality therapy services for infants, children, and adolescents ages birth to 21 with the mission to maximize the potential of children with special needs by providing individualized, family-centered therapy services.

Children are referred to CTC with a variety of developmental delays and disabilities including cerebral palsy and neurological disorders, torticollis, speech and language disorders, brachial plexus injuries, spina bifida, Down syndrome, feeding disorders, sensory processing difficulties, autism and dyspraxia. For more information about Children’s Therapy Center, visit http://www.DynamicFamilies.org.

Ghosts and goblins, grab your ghoulish gear; Halloween is near! And that means it’s time for trick-or-treating and Halloween fun at Kent Station, sponsored by MultiCare. Kids, bring your parents down to Kent Station on Halloween, Monday, October 31 from 4 to 6 p.m. to collect candy and special offers from participating merchants.

In addition to trick-or-treating, Kent Station will host its annual Halloween costume contest. Open to individuals and groups of all ages, the judging will begin on the Fountain Stage outside AMC Theatres at 4:30 p.m. A panel of guest judges will select their favorite costumes in a number of categories, and present the winners with Kent Station gift cards. Winners will be announced about 6 p.m. and must be present to win.

“We’re expecting about 1,500 kids to trick-or-treat this year, and the costume contest always draws a huge crowd,” said Sommer Ueda, marketing and property manager. “This is one of our favorite events, and a fun way to get involved in the Kent community.”

The Halloween fun begins at 4 p.m. Kids and families can begin at any participating Kent Station merchant, identified with a pumpkin hanging in the store window, and make the rounds throughout the shopping center. For additional information, visit Kent Station online or call contact Sommer Ueda at 253-856-2301. Trick or treat!

iLoveKent.net has been nominated in KING5′s Best of Western Washington contest in the Best Neighborhood Blog category. If you love our website, we’d love to have your vote! It requires that you sign in, but it is free and you can vote for other favorite businesses in and around Kent, including Kent Station, Bella home & garden, Dr. Sue Hollinsworth, DDS, Maggie’s on Meeker and more!

Click here to vote (you’ll be asked to sign in)!

Voting ends October 9, 2011.

Elementary students can win P.E. equipment for their school and healthy treats throughout the summer by participating in the Cruzin’ Passport Challenge put on by Kent4Health with support from local business donations.

“The Passport Challenge includes a calendar of local free or low cost events where children can journal their activities.  Whether it’s walking, hiking, biking, going to the library, swimming, or eating healthy meals, kids can get credit,” Clark said.

Kicking off June 1, students are encouraged to “Eat Smart, Play Hard & Learn”.  According to Kent4Health liaison Pam Clark, students and their families can participate in a lot of different activities and programs and get credit for them.

The Passport Challenge also features the following events:                 

June 11 - The Cruzin’ Passport Challenge Kick Off, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., Kent Station, FREE interactive booths, raffles, prizes and demo’s.

• July 15 – Kid’s Cooking Class, 10:00 a.m. – noon, MultiCare Covington Clinic
• August 13 – The Cruzin’ Passport “Walk and Roll” 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.  Kohl’s (Covington location) parking lot, FREE 1 mile fun run/walk, bike rodeo, games, prizes.  Fun Run/Walk registration opens at 9:30 a.m.
• September 18 – 1 Mile Junior Run, 5K Run/Walk, 10K Run, Kentwood High School.  Registration required.

Cruzin’ Passports will be distributed by participating elementary schools before June 1.  They are also available at any official Passport site. Call 253-856-4968 or visit www.cruzinpassport.com for a complete list of activities and participating schools and sites.

The cities of Kent and Covington along with donations from MultiCare Health System, Kohl’s, Univar, Kent Community Foundation, Valley Medical Center, Valley Bank, Pinnacle Medical Wellness, Barclay Seafoods, and over 80 local businesses and organizations, have pitched in to present healthy topics and incentives for children to get healthy.

Road Runner Sports at Kent Station is hosting a FREE Spring Fun Run this Sat., April 30 at 10 a.m.

Road Runner Sports
444 Ramsay Way, Ste. 114
Kent Station, downtown Kent
10 a.m.
FREE 2 mile walk/run around Kent Station
Starts in front of AMC Theatres

- Raffle Prizes
– 10% Discount for Participants
– Consultation and Foot Analysis

Sign up between 9:30 – 9:55 am

Questions?  Stop by or visit Road Runner Sports on Facebook.

Saturday, April 23, 2011

10am – Noon

Kent Station

Come and join us for an enjoyable morning of egg hunting and scavenging.  Our eggs are filled with chocolates, temporary tattoos, and special offers from our merchants.

Scavenger Hunt: 10am – Noon, all ages
Pick up your first clue on the Fountain Stage – 6 clues total

Traditional Easter Egg Hunt
Ages 3 and under, 11am*
Ages 4 – 6, 11:30am*

*families with siblings in both age groups
can choose to hunt for eggs together in either age group.

Wingnut from 100.7 The Wolf
and the WolfPack will be on-site with the prize wheel
and handing out exclusive prizes.

Call 253.856.2301 for more details.

Kent, Washington, April 13, 2011 – With the help of Kent Station customers, March’s Moolah for Schoolah scholarship fundraiser raised enough money to provide four scholarships for Green River Community College students. The scholarships will be awarded to local Kent students who have achieved excellent academic standing and are in financial need. Some of the past recipients have said that they would not have been able to attend higher education classes without the scholarship.  Since Moolah for Schoolah began in 2007, Kent Station has provided 19 scholarships totaling nearly $25,000.

Following the conclusion of Moolah for Schoolah, Kent Station awarded prizes to participating customers in the March promotion. Prizes included Kent Station gift cards, a $500 Kent Station shopping spree and an iPad.

“Kent Station customers are the best! With their support we are able to provide GRCC scholarships to Kent residents,” said Sommer Ueda, Kent Station Marketing Manager. “We are excited to be able to provide scholarships to help GRCC students fulfill their dreams.”

Beth Gatzke of the GRCC Foundation said, “This program is really a win-win for everyone. The GRCC Foundation is thrilled to partner with Kent Station to support educational opportunities for youth in our community.”

In addition to Moolah for Schoolah, Kent Station regularly hosts family-friendly events including a summer concert series, trick-or-treating, pet events, Santa photos and more. Kent Station’s next event – an Easter Egg Hunt – is scheduled for Saturday, April 23 from 10 am to noon. Families are invited to participate in an all ages scavenger hunt starting at 10 am, and a traditional Easter egg hunt for ages six and under. The Easter eggs are filled with chocolates, temporary tattoos and special offers from merchants.

For more information about Moolah for Schoolah or Kent Station’s upcoming events, please visit Kent Station online at http://www.kentstation.com or call Sommer Ueda at 253-856-2301.

Located on 18 acres in the heart of downtown Kent, Kent Station is an urban shopping village developed by Seattle-based Tarragon. The 470,000 sq. ft., mixed-use development features locally-owned and national retail stores, dining and entertainment, including a 14-screen AMC Theatre, professional office space, a branch campus of Green River Community College and the offices for Social Security Administration.

For more information, please contact:

Sommer Ueda
Kent Station
417 Ramsay Way, Suite 110
Kent, WA 98032
253-856-2301
www.KentStation.com

Starting March 1, Kent Station will launch the “Moolah for Schoolah” pgrogram, its newly titled annual March scholarship fundraiser. “Moolah for Schoolah” provides scholarships for Kent area high school graduates attending Green River Community College (GRCC). Since 2007, Kent Station has held the annual fundraiser, providing 15 scholarships and more than $20,000 in college funding to students who might not be able to attend school otherwise. During the month of March, shoppers can participate in the scholarship fundraiser by picking up a postcard at any one of Kent Station’s 56 participating merchants.

For each postcard completed, Kent Station will donate $1 to the GRCC scholarship fund and provide the shopper with a chance to win a $500 Kent Station gift card and other prizes. The prize winners will be selected in a  random drawing to be held on April 5,2011; winners will be notified via email or phone.  For further questions, please contact Sommer Ueda at Kent Station at 253-856-2301.

Kent Station welcomes Reds Wine Bar to the popular downtown shopping center. This new wine bar is located across from the Sound Transit parking garage. Owned by husband and wife team Nick and Angela Xavier of Kent, Reds features a selection of regional wines along with artisan crafted beers.

In addition to wine and beer, Reds offers a tapas-style menu of fresh bread, cheese, soup, salad, paninis, and appetizers with a focus on healthy ingredients and palate-pleasing wine pairings.  Food and wine by the bottle may be ordered to-go. Members of the Reds wine club will enjoy birthday specials, discounted corkage fee and case purchases and personalized notes on customers’ wine preferences. The wine club helps personalize the experience for guests.

“Reds Wine Bar is a great addition to Kent Station,” said John Hinds, Kent Station general manager. “The Kent community desired a casual, inviting, neighborhood wine bar and we are delighted to have another locally-owned and operated tenant.”

Previously, the Xaviers worked in the mortgage industry. However, last year after Angela’s dad was unexpectedly diagnosed with cancer, the news catalyzed the couple to make their retirement dream of owning their own business a reality. Their goal was to own a community-oriented business that would be inviting and welcoming to their friends and family. Their dream evolved into Reds Wine Bar which opened with a “soft launch” on December 30, followed by their official launch on New Year’s Eve.

“We enjoy wine but we aren’t wine experts,” explained Angela Xavier. “We know what we like and we invite our customers to share their love and taste of wine with us. We want to have a really fun experience and build relationships in our community.”

Reds Wine Bar (321 Ramsay Way) is open seven days a week:  Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday & Saturday, 11 a.m. to 12 a.m.; and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 8 pm. The dining area is family-friendly. Reds Wine Bar is planning a grand opening celebration February 4 and 5. Visit their website, http://redswinebar-kent.com, find them on Facebook, or call 253-277-1852 for details.

Located on 18 acres in the heart of downtown Kent, Kent Station is an urban shopping village developed by Tarragon a Seattle based company. The 470,000 sq. ft., mixed-use development features locally-owned and national retail stores, professional office space, and dining and entertainment, including a 14-screen AMC Theatres Cineplex and a branch campus of Green River Community College. For more information, visit the Kent Station website at http://www.KentStation.com or contact marketing manager Sommer Ueda at 253-856-2301.

This Saturday, January 8 at 10 a.m. AMC Theatres at Kent Station and The Autism Society are sponsoring their monthly sensory-friendly movie. This month’s feature:  Yogi Bear.

Kids and their families can enjoy the film with the lights turned up and the sound turned down. These sensory-friendly films are ideal for autistic children, young children and those who find it difficult to sit through the traditional movie experience.

AMC Kent Station 14
426 Ramsay Way
Kent, WA  98032
253-850-2684

Free parking is available.

Kent, Washington, December 8, 2010 – Kent Station is sharing its holiday spirit this season by giving back to children and families in the community. The popular Kent-based shopping center is sponsoring a Giving Tree, accepting donations for holiday meals for families in need, and offering a gift wrapping station. All donations benefit programs supported and operated by Kent Youth & Family Services, a nonprofit serving Kent and South King County families for 40 years.

Located in Kent Station Plaza just outside AMC Theatres, the Giving Tree holds tags for over 250 families and children. Each tag lists all the pertinent information, along with a need (e.g., warm coat) and a wish (e.g., Barbie doll). Local businesses and community members are encouraged to participate by fulfilling wishes and needs and depositing the unwrapped gifts in the Big Red Box inside AMC Theatres by December 15.

To kick off the holiday season, Kent Station eagerly selected a family from the Giving Tree. “Our goal is to give our chosen family the best and biggest Christmas ever,” said Kent Station general manager John Hinds. “And we encourage other local businesses to participate in this worthwhile program that truly makes a difference for families in need who are located right here in Kent.”

For those who want to help but do not have time to shop, you can provide a holiday meal for families. Kent Station has partnered with BECU, Angel Food Ministries and the Calvary Community Church of Sumner to accept monetary donations. Just $39 will purchase a holiday meal for an entire family. To participate, contact Kent Station at 253-856-2301, ext. 101 for more details.

From December 17 through 19, Kent Youth and Family Services will offer a gift wrapping station to help shoppers get their purchases ready for giving. Kent Station will donate the space and resources for the gift wrapping with 100% of the proceeds benefiting Kent Youth & Family Services. Hours for gift wrapping are published on the Kent Station website and Facebook pages.

“This has been a difficult year for so many Kent and Covington children and families,” said marketing manager Sommer Ueda. “We want to help make the holidays a little brighter for those who need it the most. We invite our community to join us in providing needs, wishes and meals for local families this year.”

Located on 18 acres in the heart of downtown Kent, Kent Station is an urban shopping village developed by Tarragon a Seattle based company. The 470,000 sq. ft., mixed-use development features locally-owned and national retail stores, professional office space, and dining and entertainment, including a 14-screen AMC Theatres Cineplex and a branch campus of Green River Community College. For more information about Kent Station or its holiday festivities, visit the Kent Station website at http://www.KentStation.com or contact marketing manager Sommer Ueda at 253-856-2301.

Founded in 1970, Kent Youth & Family Services is a Kent-based nonprofit serving children, youth and families in South King County, Washington. The agency offers counseling, Head Start and early childhood education and assistance, substance abuse programs, housing for homeless young mothers and more. In 2009, Kent Youth & Family Services provided services to more than 4,000 children and families. For more information about Kent Youth and Family Services, visit KYFS online at http://www.kyfs.org or contact executive director Mike Heinisch at 253-859-0300.

For more information, please contact:

Sommer Ueda, Marketing Manager
Kent Station Management Office
417 Ramsay Way, Suite 110
Kent, WA  98032
253-856-2301
www.KentStation.com
sueda@kentstation.com

Kent Station celebrates the 2010 holiday season with the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus this Saturday, November 27. The jolly couple will welcome shoppers and visitors at 10 a.m. at the Fountain Stage outside Kent Station’s AMC Theatres.

Following their official welcome, Santa and Mrs. Claus will hold court at the Hip Santa House where children and well-behaved pets may have their photos taken, and adults can take Santa’s patented “naughty or nice” test. Photos are offered at a discount in exchange for donations of nonperishable food items and new, unwrapped toys for the Kent Food Bank. A complete list of Santa’s hours and photo packages is available at the Kent Station website.

Beginning at noon, Kentwood High School’s Royal Court from the Madrigal Feast will sing Christmas tunes from their upcoming performance, adding to the festive atmosphere. In addition, the community is invited to participate in the Giving Tree on display at Kent Station Plaza. The Giving Tree benefits Kent Youth and Family Services, a nonprofit organization that serves kids, teens and families in South King County.

Sponsored by BECU and supported by Calvary Community Church of Sumner, the Giving Tree will feature tags with needs (e.g., coats, hats, shoes) and wants (e.g., books, toys) for 400 area kids, along with tags asking for board games for Kent Youth and Family Services’ Head Start/ECEAP program. Shoppers may drop off their donated gifts through December 15 inside AMC Theatres near the arcade.

“The holidays are a time of celebration and giving, and Kent Station wants to be a part of that by giving back to the community,” said Kent Station general manager John Hinds. “We encourage shoppers to join us by donating to the Kent Food Bank and Kent Youth and Family Services this holiday season. We can all help by making a sad time for some a little merrier.”

For more information about Kent Station or its holiday festivities, visit the Kent Station website at www.kentstation.com or contact Sommer Ueda at 253-856-2301. For more information about Kent Youth and Family Services, visit KYFS online at www.KYFS.org. Visit the Kent Food Bank online at www.skcfc.org/kentfoodbank/ for more information about its hours and offerings.

Located on 18 acres in the heart of downtown Kent, Kent Station is an urban shopping village developed by Tarragon a Seattle based company. The 470,000 sq. ft., mixed-use development features locally-owned and national retail stores, professional office space, and dining and entertainment, including a 14-screen AMC Theatres Cineplex and a branch campus of Green River Community College.

Hustle and bustle of the holidays got you down? Run or walk off that stress during the 28th annual Christmas Rush Fun Run and Walk – Sat., Dec. 11 (11:30 am – 2:30 pm.) Sponsored by the City of Kent, this fun holiday favorite will be held at Riverbend Golf Complex. It includes a 10K race which starts at 9:50 am and a 5K at 10:00 am.

Participants 13 and under run for FREE, courtesy of the Tab Wizard. Registration is available online at Active.com or walkers and runners can pick up registration forms at the Kent Commons or many area running stores. Early bird packets will be available at Road Runner Sports at Kent Station on December 8 from 3 to 7 pm, or on race day.

Parking is available at Russell Road Park (24400 Russell Road, Kent, WA). Parking is not available at Riverbend.

Participants may leave their warm up clothes at the clothing drop located by the finish line. Drop is hosted by staff from Best Western Plaza by the Green.

More info. on Facebook.

On the first Saturday of each month at 10 a.m., AMC Theatres around the country - in collaboration with the Autism Society – offer a sensory friendly movie where lights are dimmed but not turned off, sound is lowered to kid-friendly levels and kids and adults are free to move about the theatre. This is ideal for families with small children, children with special needs and older adults.

AMC Theatres at Kent Station is a participating theatre. Upcoming movies include:

October 2 (10 a.m.):  Legend of the Guardians:  The Owls of Ga”Hoole

November 6 (10 a.m.):  Megamind

iLoveKent.net tied for fifth place in the “Best Neighborhood Blog” category inMagazine’s “Best of Western Washington 2010″ contest. KING5 Evening We are so honored to be even mentioned in the same category as the West Seattle Blog. Thanks to all who voted for us!

Kent School District hires a new executive director of communications and school/community partnerships. KSD has hired (Mr.) Chris Loftis to replace Becky Hanks who retired from KSD in June 2010. Loftis will begin working immediately.

There are lots of Halloween happenings in and around Kent this weekend, including Halloween parties at Charley’s on Central and Pat’s Bar & Grill; horror flicks at Kent Station’s AMC Theatres; Costume Candy Dash at Road Runner Sports at Kent Station; and Trick or Treating at Kent Station. In addition, a number of local organizations are hosting safe Trunk or Treat events to replace traditional trick-or-treating this year.

In other news, visit the Kent Reporter site to learn about King County Sheriff’s Department budget cuts, Kent budget discussions regarding train noise, Valley Medical Center board controversy and more.

In a press release dated September 7, 2010, Kent Station announced that it is opening three new retailers this month at the popular downtown Kent shopping center:  Toys ‘R Us Express, Banyan Tree and General Nutrition Center (GNC).

Kent, Washington, September 7, 2010 – Kent Station is building on the shopping experience for customers by adding three new stores totaling over 10,000 square feet of retail space: Toys ‘R Us Express, Banyan Tree and General Nutrition Center (GNC) will all be open by September 10.

On September 4, Banyan Tree opened its Thai restaurant next to the Ram Restaurant and Brewery. With an open kitchen plan and full-service bar, Banyan Tree will prepare cuisine from all regions of Thailand along with serving Asian-inspired cocktails. The ingredients used for cooking are fresh and sourced from local and natural products whenever possible. Banyan Tree has chosen Kent Station as its flagship location.  Since opening its first Thai food booth stand over three years ago under the name Thai Smile at the Fremont Sunday Market, Banyan Tree has been recognized locally for its unique and exotic food and presentation.

On September 6, Toys ‘R Us Express opened between Kay Jewelers & Famous Footwear.  As the nation’s leading toy retailer, Toys ‘R Us and its Express concept store at Kent Station will make holiday shopping more convenient for Kent and South King County shoppers. The store will carry some of the most popular toys and toy brands including Lego, Zhu Zhu Pets, Barbie, Toy Story, Star Wars, Hot Wheels and many more.

On September 10, GNC opens next door to See’s Candies. GNC will offer shoppers a variety of vitamins, supplements, sports nutrition and diet products. GNC sets the standard in the nutritional supplement industry by demanding truth in labeling, ingredient safety and product potency, all while remaining on the cutting-edge of nutritional science. GNC is the world’s largest company of its kind devoted exclusively to helping its customers improve the quality of their lives.

“We are excited to welcome these three great retailers to Kent Station. They collectively create unique shopping and dining options for our customers, which is always one of our primary goals,” says general manager John Hinds.

For more information about Kent Station, visit the Kent Station website at www.kentstation.com or contact Sommer Ueda at 253-856-2301.

Located on 18 acres in the heart of downtown Kent, Kent Station is an urban shopping village developed by Tarragon a Seattle based company. The 470,000 sq. ft., mixed-use development features locally-owned and national retail stores, professional office space, and dining and entertainment, including a 14-screen AMC Theatres Cineplex and a branch campus of Green River Community College.

Every once in awhile someone will ask me why I love Kent. Sometimes it is someone far away from Washington who has no idea where Kent is or what it has to offer. Other times it is someone who visited Kent long ago and remembers it as a not-so-special place they wouldn’t go back to.

I’ve lived here for five years, but every week I discover something new to love about Kent. Here are 10 things I love about Kent, Washington!

1. People: Despite the fact that Kent is the fourth largest city in King County, it retains its small town feel. Everywhere I go I am greeted with a smile. People in Kent are some of the nicest I’ve ever met. They are open minded, welcoming and good natured.
2. Parks: Kent, Washington has a handful of beautiful-but-small lakes that are serene and peaceful. Most are adjacent to a city-owned park with almost every amenity you can imagine. There are specialty parks as well like Arbor Heights 360 and Wilson Playfields, encouraging outdoor recreation for kids and adults. Some of my favorite parks include Clark Lake Park, Lake Meridian Park, Fennewick Park and Town Square Plaza.
3. Entertainment: There is always something to do in Kent. We have everything here from Kent Station and ShoWare Center to a Historic District and Kent Historical Museum. We also have a wealth of arts programs and school drama programs that provide dozens of performances, plays and other opportunities every year. What’s even better is that many outlets offer free or affordable things to do. Who doesn’t love free?
4. Shopping: Kent does not have a mall, per se, but we have much more shopping than most people know about. In addition to the always-popular Kent Station, there are locally-owned stores like Marie Haggin Accessories, Fig & Feather, Cheryl’s Unique Boutique, Titusville Antiques and more. There are also little niche areas like the “International District” on 104th and the shopping plaza on 104th and Kent-Kangley Road (Joann Fabrics, Linda’s Apparel, etc.) No matter where I go, I can find something special that fits my taste and my budget. See our Shopping page for more stores.
5. Dining: No matter how picky or broad your tastes are, there are multiple restaurants, cafes and diners to suit everyone. For American diner-style food, Maggie’s on Meeker is a favorite. For Thai, I recommend Archa Thai in downtown Kent. For Indian, I love Punjab Sweets on the East Hill. Proud to display its diverse heritage, Kent has a little bit of everything. Visit our Dine page for more suggestions.
6. Diversity: It is politically correct to say you embrace diversity, but not everyone truly does. In Kent, though, I believe we have a diverse population as well as a culture of inclusion and acceptance. We have several areas of town and specific businesses that cater to particular populations (e.g., Indian, Ukrainian, Hispanic, etc.), but we are eager to learn from each other as well. With more than 120 languages spoken in our schools, for example, most schools have English-learning programs as well as International Days where students can share their culture. This year the city of Kent partnered with a group of citizens to put on the 2nd annual Kent International Festival in downtown Kent. As a more personal example, my daughter goes to Dr. Na of the Mountlake Acupuncture Clinic on Central Avenue. He was born, raised and educated in China. When we go for my daughter’s weekly treatments, we exchange stories about our respective cultures. I think we learn as much about Chinese culture as we do about acupuncture and healing!
7. Accessibility: When I say “accessibility,” I mean that people and government in Kent, Washington are accessible to the average resident. I truly believe that anyone in Kent can send an email to the mayor or place a call to the police chief and get a prompt, personal response. I feel very comfortable that are our local leaders are accessible as well as eager to listen.
8. Entrepreneurial spirit: I love the fact that people in Kent, Washington have an entrepreneurial spirit about them. This includes business owners who passionately build their own companies, but also teens and young adults in the area who want to make a difference. People in Kent don’t accept that we have to do things the way they’ve always been done. They say, “I don’t like this. Let’s change it.” One local citizens group, for example, wanted an off leash dog park on the East Hill. Recognizing that the city didn’t have the funds to build one, they created the park in cooperation with the city, raising money on their own and turning their dream into a reality. In another case, a group of teens calling itself Project U(th) formed this summer to create opportunities for work and leisure for their peers. In Kent, we are not afraid to work hard or to pave our own way. We are a spunky bunch!
9. Community pride: Kent has been called many derogatory names over the years, but those who love Kent remain proud of their city. We show up in the thousands for events like Kent Cornucopia Days, Seattle T Birds and Predators’ games and concerts like the Backstreet Boys and REO Speedwagon. We work together to show our spirit and to shout Kent’s strengths to the world. For example, Kent’s neighborhood program brings residents together to solve mutual problems, to beautify neighborhoods and to clean up graffiti. Call us what you want – we will love Kent anyway!
10. Beauty: While I’ve touched on this a bit in #1 through 9, I love the beauty of Kent which includes its parks, lakes and mountain views but also its historic buildings, its public art work and, most of all, its people.

Those are just 10 of the reasons I love Kent, Washington. Tell me some of yours! Post them here or email them to us at iLoveKent.net, and we’ll post them online.

Once again Kent Station is proud to present its free summer concert series, the Soulful Sounds of Summer, beginning Tuesday, July 6, 2010 with swing music by Casey MacGill’s Blue 4 Trio. Kent Station will offer the lively concerts on Tuesdays and Wednesdays through August 25.

Pick up lunch at one of Kent Station’s eateries for Take Out Tuesdays which run from noon to 1 p.m. and feature local bands and musicians like Rod Cook & Toast and Darren Motamedy. Before or after dinner, enjoy Kent Station’s Wednesday Date Night performances from 6 to 8 p.m. including EveryDay Jones, Knut Bell and more.

Kent Station’s Soulful Sounds of Summer concerts will be held on the Fountain Stage outside of AMC Theatres, and the live music is free to the public, thanks to premier sponsor Qliance and supporting sponsors Acura of Seattle at Southcenter and the City of Kent.

Qliance, a primary health care provider, officially opened at Kent Station in September 2009.

Meg Tronquet, marketing coordinator for Qliance, says, “Qliance is proud to be more than just a business in Kent, but an active participant in the community. We are delighted to support the concerts and offer free entertainment to the community and to our patients.”

The City of Kent is also sponsoring the free summer concert series as well as adding its own free entertainment line-up including Wednesday Picnic Performances at Town Square Plaza and Thursdays at the Lake at Lake Meridian Park.

“The City is pleased to continue its partnership with Kent Station for the summer concert series,” says cultural programs manager Ronda Billerbeck with the City of Kent. “These free events, along with our own, add value and entertainment to our community at a price everyone can afford!”

Sponsoring Soulful Sounds of Summer for the first time is Acura of Seattle at Southcenter.

“Acura of Seattle at Southcenter is a community partner and proud to support free events for local families and our customers,” says Cline Davis, General Manager.

For a complete schedule of the free summer concert series, visit http://KentStation.com, click on Events and Summer Concert Series. For a schedule of the City of Kent’s concerts, visit http://kentarts.com and click on Summer Concert Series.

Located on 18 acres in the heart of downtown Kent, Kent Station is an urban shopping village developed by Seattle-based Tarragon Development Company. The 470,000 sq. ft., mixed-use development features locally-owned and national retail stores, professional office space, and dining and entertainment, including a 14-screen AMC Theatres Cineplex and a branch campus of Green River Community College.

Have you seen the latest addition to Town Square Plaza? Here’s a day time shot of one of five illuminated sweet gum sculptures created by artist Elizabeth Conner and installed by the City of Kent. The goal? To illuminate the path between Kent Station and historic downtown Kent to show all that it has to offer!

Read more on the city’s website.